WebHeads! Create Spiderweb-Trapped Doll Heads for Halloween

User-Contributed Project

User-Contributed Project

This project guide is not managed by MAKE staff.

A simple prop for Halloween. Wrapping recycled / reused doll parts in webbing sold at Halloween. Use these in props & decor as 'captured victims' of spiders.

  • Author: David Nutty
  • Time required: 15 to 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Add Note x

This year we are going with a spider-themed house and we will have a "Hedge of Heads" that showcases spiderweb-wrapped heads, etc. (doll parts) trapped in webbing on the hedges or bushes (creepy both day & night). This simple guide will show how we create creepy web-wrapped heads.

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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Examples of WebHeads  ¶ 

  • Here are a few completed heads (not yet installed into hedge) wrapped up and ready to go.

  • The excess webbing you see will be spread out on the bush or hedge once installed.

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Add Note Edit Step 2 — You will need ....  ¶ 

  • Doll parts!! The more the merrier! Here is a pile of whole heads and half-shells of doll faces .... doll arms ... doll legs .... you get the idea. Some have been scorched from a previous year's zombie theme or ???

  • You will also need some webbing they sell for spiderweb decor at the party stores, etc. It comes in a sort of sheet of threads that you can spread apart into webbing. I tear off small bits for the wraps.

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Add Note Edit Step 3 — Lay out the webbing.  ¶ 

  • Tear a small (1/2 inch or so) strand off the webbing mass. Yank or pull on this to "fluff" it up, then spread it out on a smooth surface.

  • Fold layer over once to create a thicker rectangle of webbing.

  • Place doll head in center of web.

  • Cup the head and pull the webbing up around the head, like wrapping a gift basket from bottom to top. Stretch out the strands to fully envelop the head.

  • You should end up with a "ponytail" of webbing on top of the doll head, ready to tie off.

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Add Note Edit Step 4 — Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down!  ¶ 

  • Once you have the wrapping up around the head you need to tie it securely with a length of string. I am using black string so it will disappear in the dark but it really does not show much if it's another color.

  • You can use the string to hang the head or secure it to a bush branch to help keep goblins from running off with your props.

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Add Note Edit Step 5 — Another approach to wrapping ....  ¶ 

  • The previous example wrapped the web around the head in a "gift basket" style (bottom to top). This example will roll the head in the webbing in a "cocoon" style. Great for half-shell heads and small parts.

  • Lay the head on one side of your web. Fold web over in a criss-cross fashion, roll over once, then tuck in web to secure. Continue rolling up head until 3/4 of webbing has been used.

  • Turn head sideways so that remaining webbing is above the head.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Secure with String!

  • Same idea as the full heads: secure the remaining webbing up on top of the head with string. Add a spider for decor.

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Add Note Edit Step 7 — More than just heads!  ¶ 

  • Wrap up other little bits to strew here and there in your decor. Make sure enough of the item sticks out so people know what it is; not just a wad of cotton-looking thing.

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Add Note Edit Step 8 — Don't forget the Spiders!  ¶ 

  • After securing the wrapping with string take time to stick a plastic spider or two into the webbing. Please - no harm to the real spiders.

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Add Note Edit Step 9 — Hanging Heads.  ¶ 

  • You don't have to put the heads in a hedge or bush; you can hang freely as-is. Add some plastic spiders and spread out the webbing a bit.

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Add Note Edit Step 10  ¶ 

  • That's All, Folks!

  • Quick and easy. Next I will place them into the hedge and then spread out more webbing over the entire hedge. Then add the big spiders, etc. I'll post a hedge pic soon.

For more information, check out the Halloween category page.

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